Spaghetti with tomato sauce and minced meat

Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce and Ground Meat

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a steaming plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce and ground meat? It’s one of those recipes that not only warms your heart but also brings back memories of family meals filled with stories and laughter. This recipe is not only quick but also extremely tasty, perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests over the weekend.

Ingredients needed:

- 500 g ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 3 ripe tomatoes, grated (or 400 g canned tomatoes for a quicker dish)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (a surprising ingredient that adds depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 250 ml water
- Spaghetti (about 400 g, for 4 servings)
- Grated cheese (optional, for serving)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients

Start by washing the vegetables. Finely chop the onion and crush the garlic. If using fresh tomatoes, peel them (you can do this easily by blanching: plunge them in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer immediately to cold water).

2. Sautéing the vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the crushed garlic and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic becomes bitter when overcooked.

3. Cooking the meat

Add the ground meat to the pan, stirring constantly with a spatula to break it apart. Let it brown for 5-7 minutes until it changes color. Remove excess fat if necessary.

4. Adding the tomatoes and spices

When the meat is well cooked, add the grated tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well and season with salt, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and the bay leaf. Add 250 ml of water and let the sauce simmer on low heat, covered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to develop.

5. Boiling the spaghetti

In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and spaghetti according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Make sure they are al dente so they don’t stick to the sauce. After boiling, drain the pasta but keep a cup of the cooking water to adjust the sauce if necessary.

6. Assembling the dish

Once the sauce is ready, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning to taste. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Toss the spaghetti with the tomato and meat sauce, ensuring each strand is well coated.

7. Serving

Serve the spaghetti hot, sprinkled with grated cheese on top. You can also add some fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor and an attractive look. A simple yet flavorful recipe!

Practical tips:

- A healthy choice: Use lean ground meat to reduce fat content. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrition.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the meat with chopped mushrooms or lentils, and the sauce will be just as delicious.
- Perfect pasta: Add a little oil to the boiling water to prevent sticking.
- Thickening the sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water, stirring continuously.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

This recipe provides about 500-600 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, and tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Additionally, the spices used (cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg) not only enhance the flavor but also offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is a healthier option, high in fiber.

2. How can I store the sauce?
The sauce can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for later use.

3. What drinks pair well?
A dry red wine or freshly squeezed lemonade are excellent choices to accompany this dish.

4. Can I add other ingredients?
Certainly! You can add olives, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to vary the recipe.

Personal note:

This spaghetti with tomato sauce and ground meat recipe is one of my family’s favorites. I remember how, as a child, my mother would cook this dish on chilly autumn evenings, and the delicious smell would gather us all around the table. Every meal was a celebration of taste and family bonds. I recommend making this recipe with your loved ones and creating your own culinary memories. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g of minced beef, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 3 tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of broth, salt, pepper, cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, a bay leaf, oil

 Tags:  spaghetti with meat meat pasta pasta with tomato sauce